Category: Events

Congratulations to our London Marathon team

Posted on by catherine.jenkinson

On 28 April 2019, seven Bristol alumni, staff and students ran the London Marathon in support of Healthy Minds, a physical activity programme at the University which taps into the benefits of exercise to support students affected by mental ill health. 

Thank you to Chloe, Chris, Grace, Jack, Marissa, Sam and Verity, who raised a fantastic total of £15,276.31. We are delighted to congratulate them on their success, and share their thoughts about the experiences they had running for Bristol.

 

Chloe Parsons

“I couldn’t have been more proud to represent the University at such a fantastic event. It was unforgettable.

The moment I found out that I had received a Golden Bond place I was overjoyed and overwhelmed and filled with happiness. I have always wanted to run a marathon, but not just any marathon; for many years my eyes have been set on London. The London Marathon was absolutely incredible. It was such a special and momentous experience and I will never forget it.

Before I ran the marathon, I said that it would be the first and the last purely based on the commitment to the training plan alongside other commitments. Not even a week after running it, I have not only entered the ballot for London next year, I have also entered the Manchester Marathon in 2020.

The crowds and support in London on the day of the marathon were on a whole new level. The experience was so different to any race I had ever done before, and I would happily run the London Marathon each and every single year if I could. I managed to finish the London Marathon in a time of exactly 4 hours! Just 1 second off my target, but that’s the price that has to be paid for a perfectly paced and perfectly timed marathon – so I’ve been told! I’ll get it next time!”

 

Christiaan J. Knaup

“The marathon gave me a goal, an objective, something to strive for outside of a professional setting. It gave me an active lifestyle and embodied everything that Healthy Minds stands for, for myself. One week after the London Marathon, I woke up and felt strange for not having to go out and complete my Sunday long run – something that I had been doing for the past 5 months. I realised that the training has enforced a habit, which at its worst forces me not to look at a screen for a couple of hours and at best gives me a huge endorphin rush when I break a personal best. I have now signed up for the London Triathlon, Olympic distance, at the end of July. This should theoretically be easier than the Marathon, but is another venture to seek out.

It is quantifiable how much running the marathon has helped me with dealing with my grief, but I recognise that I am now in a better mental position than I was in before I started training, and that exact opportunity is what I want to thank Bristol for.”

 

Grace Kendrick

“It was an incredible experience, and I was overwhelmed by the support of the crowds! I managed to see Jack and Chris also running for Bristol at the start line, but ran for most the way with another alumni student who I’d been at University with. I was honoured to be running for such an important cause.”

 

 

Marissa Guiang

“The whole London Marathon experience is one that I’ll never forget. For every mile of the race (and every mile during training), it felt so meaningful to do it for a cause that was much greater than just my own personal athletic goals. The work I put into training was fuelled by my motivation to give back to the University of Bristol’s Healthy Minds Programme – an initiative that I care deeply about and resonates with me. The marathon race itself was like a victory lap around the great city of London, to celebrate months of training and generous funding from all my supporters.”

 

 

Sam Collier

“It was an incredible day, the crowds were fantastic and the atmosphere like nothing I’ve experienced. I set myself three goals for the day: 1. Finish. 2. Try to do this in under 4 hours. 3. Try to do this without walking.

Everything was going well and I was exceeding expectations up to mile 19 in Canary Wharf, but nothing prepares you for the physical and mental anguish of hitting ‘the wall’. I’d experienced glimpses of what I thought was the wall in the training. Forcing your body to keep moving when every signal it’s giving you says it’s a terrible idea is really tough.

When I stepped over the finish line I felt an enormous sense of pride in what I’d accomplished, not just over the past 3 hours and 50 minutes, but over the whole 6 month period of training. I honestly can’t think of a more appropriate way to raise money for the University’s Healthy Minds Programme than by taking on the mental and physical battle of the marathon, and would encourage anyone, particularly those who struggle with their mental health, to take on the challenge in the future.”

 

Feeling inspired? The University of Bristol has five places in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, and applications for the places will open in Autumn this year. For more information, please contact alumni-marathon@bristol.ac.uk.

‘Get engaged to save planet’ Sir David Attenborough urges young people as he receives a Lifetime Achievement award

Posted on by University of Bristol

Sir David Attenborough has urged young people to ‘get engaged, come together and do something’ about the threats facing the natural world.

The much-loved broadcaster was speaking at the University of Bristol’s inaugural Alumni Awards, where his achievements were celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his exceptional career which has spanned more than six decades, inspiring and educating millions by bringing the natural world into our homes.

Sir David has a long association with the city of Bristol through his work with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, which was honoured by the University awarding him an honorary degree in 1977.

He has subsequently worked with Bristol academics for his television series, given talks at the University and opened its £56.5 million Life Sciences Building in 2014, where students are studying the very subjects highlighted in his documentaries.

Sir David said: “Young people are much more aware of how important the natural world is than they were 60 years ago when I began my career. The natural world is under greater pressure than it has ever been, not just in my lifetime but since humans existed.

“This is the first time ever in the history of Homo sapiens that we have had the power to actually transform and protect the world – or to destroy it.

“Your generation knows that, and your children and grandchildren will either be thanking you or blaming you. To an extent we do not have any excuse.

“The history of humanity is a disaster – of arguing, of quarrelling, of wars. That’s got to come to an end. My message to young people is ‘get engaged, come together and do something about it’.”

In his acceptance speech, Sir David acknowledged that the University was a great source of zoological expertise, as well as a talent pipeline, for the BBC’s Natural History Unit.

The University of Bristol Alumni Awards, held at Mansion House in London, celebrated the exceptional achievements of the University’s alumni. Other winners included Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo and many other works, gold medal-winning netball player Eboni Usoro-Brown (nee Beckford-Chambers), and recent graduate Chanté Joseph, who has championed the importance of diversity and equality through a variety of roles.

The 10 winners represent national and international success in science, literature, business, sport, social justice, public health, journalism and broadcasting.

Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “There’s no one more deserving of a Lifetime Achievement award than Sir David Attenborough. Throughout his incredible career, he has educated, guided and inspired generations to care about our planet – achievements which are synonymous with our own mission at Bristol.

“All the pioneers, innovators and leaders we’ve celebrated through these awards are inspiring role models for our students and we’re thrilled to honour them all at our inaugural Alumni Awards.”

Professor Brady co-hosted the event alongside alumnus Peter Estlin, the current Lord Mayor of the City of London. Peter studied Economics and Accounting at the University of Bristol, graduating in 1982 before embarking on a 30-year career in finance.

Sabbatical Officers Vanessa Wilson and Stanford compered the evening, presenting the awards in front of a 245-strong audience, who also enjoyed live entertainment from the University of Bristol Gospel Choir.

Full list of winners:

Alumni Awards for Arts and Media
Recognises significant achievements of alumni in the world of arts and/or media

Julia Donaldson CBE (BA 1970, Hon DLitt 2011) is one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors, famed for writing favourites such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man. Having studied Drama and French at the University of Bristol, Julia’s varied career has seen her create 184 published works and in 2011 she was appointed as Children’s Laureate.

Alumni Award for Achievement in Sport
Recognises significant achievements or contribution by alumni to the field of sport

Netball player Eboni Usoro-Brown (LLD 2009, MSc 2011), known as Eboni Beckford-Chambers before she got married, secured a place in sporting history as part of the England team who won gold at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. She made her international debut for England in 2008 while studying as an undergraduate at the University of Bristol Law School, where she also completed an LLM in Commercial Law in 2011. Eboni is captain of the Team Bath netball team.

Alumni Award for Business and Industry
Recognises the outstanding success of alumni in the world of business

Nigel Wray (BSc 1970, Hon LLD 2005) studied Economics at the University and is now a director of over 50 companies, as well as the owner of Saracens rugby club. He has been described as ‘Britain’s most successful living investor’. While he is known for his business acumen, he is also renowned for his ability to spot potential and talent in people and his commitment to investing time in them.

Alumni Award for Community Impact
Recognises the personal contributions alumni have made to the enrichment of society through services to their community

Annie Hudson (BSc 1972, Cert 1997) received her BSc in Politics and Sociology and returned nearly 25 years later to study for her certificate in Advanced Urban Studies. She is a prominent social care leader in the UK, who has made a significant impact through her previous role as Director of Children’s Services in Bristol and now at the London Borough of Lambeth. She also held the position of Chief Executive of The College of Social Work and is one of the most admired leaders in UK children’s services. A truly extraordinary person who has been passionate, vocal and integral to improvements in her profession for the last 40 years.

Alumni Award for Innovation and Enterprise
Recognises the outstanding achievements of alumni in the field of innovation and enterprise

Dr Harry Destecroix (PhD 2014) co-founded University spin-out company Ziylo whilst studying for his PhD at Bristol.  As part of a team led by Professor Tony Davis in Chemistry, he helped to develop a glucose binding molecule which could be the key component of ‘glucose-responsive insulin’ which brings genuine hope to diabetes patients of a ground-breaking treatment. In August last year, pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk purchased Ziylo, providing investment and commitment to the team to conduct further research and clinical trials. He has also established Unit DX, a science incubator in central Bristol which ensures that scientific companies in the South West now have access to the facilities they need and are part of a burgeoning science community.

Alumni Award for International Impact
Recognises the significant impact made by alumni internationally

Andrew Sheng (BSc 1989) is a chartered accountant by training and holds a BSc in Economics and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bristol. He has had many achievements in global finance which have been acknowledged and recognised around the world. In 2013, Time Magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. His career began in Bank Negara, Malaysia, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief Economist and Assistant Governor. He has published widely on monetary, economic and financial issues and he is a regular contributor to leading economic publications throughout Asia. He is deeply committed to the development of his native Malaysia. He and his wife have a passion for the role of higher education in providing opportunities for young people in their home states.

University of Bristol Friends and Supporters Award
Recognises an individual’s service, advocacy and commitment to the University

John Rutley (Hon LLD 2013) is an entrepreneur and businessman who co-founded the hugely successful company A-GAS in 1993 and received an Honorary Degree in 2013. After many years of being at the helm of his burgeoning company, he chose to give back to his home city and work in partnership with the University. The community sports programme was co-developed and personally funded by Dr Rutley to benefit young people across the city, alongside University of Bristol students. Since its inception, in excess of 6,000 children have taken part in the annual Bristol Festival of School Sport and the programme has also helped more than 500 University of Bristol students gain nationally-recognised coaching and leadership qualifications.

Alumni Award for Transformative Philanthropy
Recognises significant strategic and enduring impact on the institution through inspirational philanthropic support

Hugh Sloane (BSc 1977) graduated from Bristol in 1977 with a First-Class degree in Economics and Politics and is today a highly successful businessman. He established one of London’s most successful asset management companies in 1993 and is renowned in particular for his knowledge of the Japanese markets. He and his business partner George Robinson went on to create the Sloane Robinson Foundation and made a commitment to support the advancement of the education of the public. In 2017, he and his Foundation gave a landmark gift of £10 million in support of the new Temple Quarter Enterprise campus – the largest philanthropic gift from an individual in the history of the University.

Vice Chancellor’s Award
Recognises the aspirational work and notable achievements of a recent graduate that benefits local communities and wider society    

During her time at Bristol, Chanté Joseph (BSc 2018) championed the importance of diversity and equality through a variety of roles. In her first year, whilst studying Social Policy, she was elected as the chair of the student council with the largest margin in the history of student council elections.  In her second year, she launched ‘Bristol is the New Black’ – a project dedicated to giving black students in Bristol a voice, which received funding from O2. During her final year, she founded the BME Powerlist which recognises Bristol’s 100 most influential Black and Minority Ethnic People. Her dedication to effecting change in such a positive manner brought national recognition with a place on the TAB Future 100 list, which describes itself as ‘a definitive list of women at UK universities who are set to achieve incredible things in the future’. Since graduating, she has written for numerous high-profile publications and has her own website with commentary on political and cultural issues.

Careers after English – alumni panel

Posted on by Joanna Sochacka

Many thanks to our alumni, who all graduated with a degree in English, for returning to their department and sharing their career paths and experiences with current students.

After a welcome from Professor Helen Fulton, Chair in Medieval Literature and Head of the English Department, five alumni shared their journeys since Bristol and their insights into their current profession:

  • Cordelia Lodge (BA English 2014), Fundraiser at the RSPCA, highlighted how the skills you gain during your degree apply in many different roles – especially the ability to cut down a word count!
  • Faith Newcombe (BA English 2017), Production Editor at Intellect Books, shared how attending events and hearing from others is always helpful, even if it shows you what you don’t want to do – and spoke from experience having met a current colleague at a networking evening.
  • Sam Charkham (BA English 2010), Solicitor at Burges Salmon LLP, said his English degree was great preparation for his post-graduate degree in law and the skills you require in the profession. He is very happy working now on different projects within commercial law though encouraged the audience to stay resilient, you can apply for lots of different jobs before being successful.
  • Jim White (BA English 1980), Columnist at Telegraph Media Group, shared his vast experience and insights into journalism, and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you during your time at Bristol.
  • Nicola Yeeles (BA English 2002), Freelance Writer, Editor and Teacher, shared her varied career path and explained that now, a portfolio career is very common and not to worry about not finding your ideal job straight away.

Following the panel introductions, a number of questions covered whether to accept a job that’s not exactly in your area, whether you’re at a disadvantage if you transfer to another discipline without the relevant undergraduate degree, and how the landscape of works is always shifting. All panellists stressed the value of the transferable skills they gained from their English degree, including synthesising and summarising material quickly, writing well, and thinking critically. Students and alumni had a further chance to ask questions and share stories informally over a drink in the Department foyer.

Many thanks to our Bristol Volunteers for getting involved. Get in touch with alumni-volunteers@bristol.ac.uk if you’re keen to support the career development of current students.

Beijing alumni network – legal profession salon, 20 October 2018

Posted on by Natalie Hill

Beijing Alumni Association sharing salon

This October the University of Bristol Beijing alumni network held their first alumni sharing salon at the Wanyi Art Museum.

The session focused on the legal industry, with 17 alumni gathering to hear from three outstanding alumni.

  • Liu Shaohua (LLM 2016) introduced the construction and considerations of private equity funds.
  • Liu Jinna (LLM 2014) shared her experience working in law and as an entrepreneur.
  • Yuan Meng (MA 2013) talked about commercial arbitration and shared some practical experience of the process.

There was a lively discussion, with alumni sharing their experiences of the workplace and giving advice to new graduates starting their careers.

Thanks to Zhou Wei who suggested the event, and association members Si Yan and He Liu who kindly coordinated.

For those who couldn’t attend this time there are still many topics to be discussed at future sharing salon sessions. The association also intend to hold a series of industry lectures. For more information connect with the Beijing alumni network on WeChat using the ID: bristolalumnibeijing.

Bristol University on the road in the USA

Posted on by University of Bristol

A report on the bi-coastal visit to SF and NYC by Ely J Kahn

New York President's Reception 2018

A University delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor Hugh Brady, traveled across the United States in September, visiting enthusiastic alumni gatherings in both San Francisco and New York City. The meetings included discussions with the Board of Directors of Bristol’s US-based American Foundation in California, and presentations in both cities by University students studying in the States on semester abroad programs. Both were highlighted by the Vice-Chancellor Brady’s reflections on the progress towards achieving the vision laid out in the University’s current strategic plan for greater internationalism, increased emphasis on attracting and retaining the best and brightest researchers, and campus redevelopment.

Dozens of Bristol graduates and their partners attended the two alumni meetings. The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied on the trip by Pro Vice-Chancellor Erik Lithander, who heads the University’s International Office, and by Stephen O’Connor, the University’s Dirrector of Development and Alumni Relations. He emphasized that a primary goal for his team is “to get a student body that replicates the world we live in.” Internationalization, he explained, meant that Bristol had to “move beyond A-levels”, and find additional avenues of access for worthy candidates, including those from the United States. “There’s never been more change in education,” the Vice-Chancellor added.

San Francisco President's Reception 2018

In San Francisco, at a US Foundation Board meeting led by Chair Lesley Silvester, the Vice-Chancellor said that one of the issues that had been “keeping me awake at night” over the past year was the mental health of university students. The Foundation Board agreed that it should be a priority, and approved a grant that will support a new Vice-Chancellor Fellowship in Mental Health and Well-Being in UK Universities, as well as funding for Widening Participation scholarships and a scholarship programme associated with the British Heart Foundation.

In New York, Vice-Chancellor Professor Hugh Brady expanded upon the issues that keep him awake, adding the uncertainty around the Brexit negotiations, and whether it will result in obstacles to the University’s ongoing efforts to attract the best European candidates, as well as the government’s review of higher education funding, and its potential impact on the Bristol budget.

We need your support, and your engagement,’ said Professor Hugh Brady.

Foundation Chair Lesley Silvester reiterated the need. “In San Francisco,” she said, “we saw the richness of the alumni network. Its benefits are powerful, the result of the community we’re trying to strengthen through the Foundation. It’s growing, but we want more — more Directors, more volunteers. Please join us.”

Tokyo alumni get-together, 31 October 2018

Posted on by Natalie Hill

Tokyo alumni get-together

More than 20 alumni and friends gathered in central Tokyo for an alumni get-together this October. Hosted by University of Bristol Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Dr Erik Lithander, the evening was a great success.

Dr Lithander was visiting Tokyo as part of the Universities UK International delegation and was joined on the night by one of his fellow delegates (and Bristol alumnus), the Dean of Global Engagement at the University of Glasgow, Professor Konstantinos Kontis (BEng 1993).

Alumni from across the globe were welcomed, including an alumna visiting Tokyo on holiday and another who was new to Tokyo, having relocated from Singapore. Two alumni in attendance were moving back to Bristol just two days after the event, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Bristol.

Since members of the University team and alumni last met in 2016 relationships have been forged and professional connections strengthened, even culminating a movie role for one alumna! Events such as these are central to building a strong network of alumni in Japan, and our special thanks go to Ian Thomas Ash (MA 2005) and Emi Ashikaga (BSc 2008, PhD 2013) for all their help in making the evening such a success.

London Branch Annual Lecture and AGM, 31 October 2018

Posted on by Natalie Hill

London Branch Annual Lecture and AGM

Julian Metcalfe (BSc 1978)

On 31 October some 60 members of the London Branch of the University of Bristol Alumni met for their Annual General Meeting and Annual Lecture in the Chaucer Room within the Knowledge Centre at the new, modern, headquarters of the British Library.

Our Lecturer this year was Will Hutton (BSc Economics and Sociology 1972, Honorary LLD 2003), former broadcaster and Editor in Chief at ’The Observer’, and currently Principal, Hertford College, Oxford.  He spoke to the themes set out in his recently published book “Saving Britain:  How We Must Change to Prosper in Britain” (jointly authored with Lord Adonis).

Will set out the stark, bleak, dangers inherent in Britain’s exit from the EU.  He blamed the referendum result on the fact that millions of ordinary people felt marginalised by the lack of opportunities in education, employment, and welfare.  Will said we had to create a much more inclusive and caring society if the country’s prospects were to thrive.

This well received Lecture was, as always, followed by an opportunity to socialise over food and wine, and appears to have been much enjoyed by all.

We were also pleased to be joined by Professor Agnes Nairn, Professor of Marketing, School of Economics, Finance & Management, at the University. She kindly delivered the Vote of Thanks to Will, and outlined some of the exciting new developments in the University curriculum designed to ensure that students are better equipped to compete in an increasingly competitive job market.

Those attending the AGM thanked our outgoing Treasurer, Julia Wathen (BSc 1972), for her many years of service.  Dr Martin Lunnon (BSc 1973, PhD 1976) was elected incoming Treasurer.

Eastern Canada alumni weekend 2018

Posted on by Natalie Hill

Eastern Canada alumni weekend 2018

Heather Proctor (BSc 1964) and Sefton Haisz (BSc 1967)

The Westover Inn in St Marys, Ontario was the venue for the 16th Eastern Canada Alumni reunion. Alumni and their partners travelled from Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton and Guelph on Friday 28 September.

The Inn provided excellent facities for dining and conversing, which is a big part of our reunion! David Burns (BEng1958) and George Plant (BSc 1963) gave fascinating after dinner talks about their research at Bristol and subsequent work, on the topics of high pressure studies and the Geological Survey of Canada, respectively.

The weather cooperated on the Saturday when we visited Stratford, Ontario for the day. We toured the Festival gardens, lunched in the Eaton Lounge of the Festival Theatre, then attended “The Music Man”, a fast-moving musical production enjoyed by all 14 of us.  In the evening, we returned to the Westover Inn for our reunion dinner.

We are already looking forward to next year, when our September reunion will be in Peterborough, Ontario.

Cambridge Branch annual dinner, 20 October 2018

Posted on by Natalie Hill

Cambridge Branch annual dinner 2018
Alison Wilson (BA 1966)

Trinity College was the spectacular setting for the Cambridge Branch’s Ninth Annual Dinner on 20 October. The late afternoon sun shone on the stone buildings and spacious lawns as we made our way to the Library, an elegant building by the river designed by Christopher Wren. Through the colonnades and up the wide stair and we were in a huge room lined with bays of leather-bound books, each bay surmounted by a marble statue. The Librarian, Dr Nicolas Bell, welcomed us and talked about the history of the Library before showing us some recently-acquired books relating to Chatterton, the boy poet of Bristol.

We were dining in the Old Kitchen, a historic room with a high ceiling funnelling to a window in the centre where no doubt the smoke once escaped. Further signs of its former use were a massive fireplace and an old spit fixed to the wall. The room is now hung with oil paintings and looked very festive with white linen tablecloths, candles and flowers on the tables. We enjoyed excellent cuisine – terrine, venison and poached pear – with plenty of fine wine. After coffee we were addressed by Denis Burn, Chair of the Trustees. His speech, amusing and serious by turns, brought us up to date with the recent changes in governance at Bristol and the consultations about a re-designed Alumni Association. We appreciated his willingness to answer questions and chat to members afterwards.

More than 60 alumni and friends had a good time, and we would particularly like to thank Dr Chris Morley, former Vice Master of Trinity for his help in setting up the event.